WomenNC’s mission is to lead North Carolina’s young adults in the elimination of injustice against women and girls. Our vision is to raise a generation that will honor women’s human rights. This blog follows the experiences of our talented fellows. Enjoy reading about their journeys!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Learning, exploring, and making connections

It’s
day 3 in New York for the WomenNC CSW Fellows. I am incredibly thankful for
this opportunity that has been about learning, exploring, and making
connections. I have learned something new each day, gaining valuable insight
into my research area.

Yesterday
was Consultation day; the day where NGOs come together to discuss some of the
most critical issues related to the CSW’s theme. There were panels and
discussions on many issues, but one prominent issue was human trafficking. At
the beginning of the session, there was an incredible performance by Girl Be Heard, a New York based non-profit
theater collective and educational program that uses theater to empower young
women. Focusing on sex trafficking, the girls gave moving, inspirational, and
amazing performances depicting the struggle and reality of sex trafficking.
Right away, I was moved by the performance and remembered why I am so passionate
about this issue. It was also so encouraging to see young women using theater
and art as way to communicate and advocate for survivors of human trafficking.

Consultation
day also included a panel on human trafficking which was comprised of
politicians, judges, advocates, and representatives of UN Women. This panel was
extremely enlightening and useful. I learned about the connection between femicide
and human trafficking, human rights and human trafficking, and the relationship
between the judiciary and human trafficking. One of the most beneficial
elements of this panel was connecting with these incredible global human
trafficking advocates. I really enjoyed connecting with Judge Lillian
Hofmeister from Austria who said it is important to achieve a world where “women
like men are the standard of the legal system.” All of the panelists brought
their passion and concern. I also really enjoyed Dr. Helga Konrad’s comments.
She noted that we are currently just managing human trafficking and not
combatting it. Her comments were motivating because she pushed to think past
the status quo to more effective legislation, services, and solutions. One important
she empathized was making sure we utilize or laws and legislation. While
trafficking looks different in every country, it was beneficial to know how
other individuals work to combat the practice.

My
connections with the global anti-trafficking community did not end there. This
morning, I had the opportunity to attend a panel sponsored by the San Francisco
Department on the Status of Women, and the East Women’s Intercultural Network
(WIN). At the panel, I met representatives from the Manhattan District
Attorney’s Office who are working to combat trafficking in the city. It was
interesting to see how large communities and cities are tackling the problem.
Currently, the Manhattan DA’s office includes human trafficking in their
Special Victims Unit. They have a team of investigators who work with survivors
to ensure that perpetrators are caught. They also work with individuals with
prostitution charges to see if there was any trafficking involved in those
situations.

Today
was also our panel! The panel was a great experience. I was able to communicate
my interest in human trafficking to a group of amazing individuals and groups.

So
far, the CSW has been amazing experience. Each day, I learn something new about
my research area and ending violence against women in general. Seeing how
different groups, governments, and individuals tackle these large issues has
been educational and inspiring. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity and
can’t wait to see what the rest of the week has in store!